What age did you know you would serve serve the Lord and what were the circumstances?

Out of 22 questions that came in recently at our Sisterhood Christmas party, here’s number 6. (I’ll answer more over time)Â

My parents were attending a small Church that was very poor and the Pastor had no pulpit. My father offered to buildÂ him one and the Church was thrilled. For weeks my dad worked on creating the most beautiful pulpit. He measured his Pastor and built it for his height so his Bible would be perfectly placed to preach from. Read More

What matters? I was asked this question by a ministry leader only a few days ago. My automatic response was Champion Dance School. He proceeded to ask, why does it matter? His questions resurfaced a longing to understand that has burned within me for some time now. After months of searching, I have found the answer.

Six months ago I was working a eight to five desk job and silently asking God “is there more than this?”. Taking a leap of faith, I left my job to follow my heart and boldy chase after the plans and purpose God had for me, even if i wasn’t sure quite what it was. As God’s timing would have it, I ran face first into the opportunity to take over leadership of the dance school and be the new director along with my best friend Kassandra. Talk about a God appointment right? From the moment we have stepped into this role I haven’t been able to shut off one thought that continues to play on repeat in my mind, “Am I truly the right person for this position?”.

The bible talks about the passion David lived with all throughout his life. When the ark of the covenant was being brought to Jerusalem, the bible says “David, wearing a line ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might.” He rejoiced knowing a symbol of God’s presence was being brought to Israel. His wife belittled him, saying it was not right for him to wear linen and dance in the streets, for he was to be a great King, but to him none of these things mattered. David fixed his eyes on God and never looked away, he rejoiced in God and praised him. He is called “the man after God’s own heart”, because he lived for God’s will above his own. David is the greatest King spoken of in the bible, God set him apart, and it wasn’t because he was strong, smart, or brave, it was simply because God saw the true intentions of his heart. David knew what mattered.

Today again I ask myself, “Am I truly the right person for this position?”. The answer is yes, because I have learned what matters. We are not trying to build a dance school full of perfect ballerinas, with perfect turnout, and perfect plies. We are building a school that glorifies God and radiates love. When are dancers walk out of class, our goal is for each and every one of them to feel the love of Jesus shining through each and every one of us. We want parents to feel open and comfortable coming to us with questions, concerns, advice, counsel or prayer. Most of all, we want to create an enviornment where dancers feel they are loved, valued, and anointed by God, with a plan and a purpose to take into the world. And we see it, each time we hear “Miss Kassandra, can I pray?” or “Miss Audri, I love you!”. They are what matters, our Â purpose is what matters, our hearts are what matters. This is so much more than dance.Â

Hi!
I went to set up our Christmas tree the other day. It is a pre-lit tree and quite simple to assemble. I got it into place and plugged it in…….NOTHING HAPPENED!!!!! Where was the glow of the lights?? I checked all of the connections and tried again – still nothing.
It was at this moment that I knew there was a decision to make; do we try to re-light the tree (which meant cutting off each little tiny zip tie – of which there were several on every single branch) or do we simply get a new tree? After examining both avenues thoroughly, the decision was made in favor of a new tree.

The old tree was removed and the new one was purchased and then set into the older tree’s spot. when it was assembled and plugged in everything worked perfectly.

As I thought about all of this, I realized just how thankful I am that God doesn’t see the removal of the “zip ties” – things that seem to keep me tied up – as not worth the time of removing and repairing. I am so grateful that He will not throw me out – like I did with the tree – but repair and restore me when I have “dark spots”. Praise God!!!!

Ephesians 5:8 reminds us, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light.”

*Helpful Diaper Bag Tips*

To make your child’s stay as comfortable as possible when you take him or her to daycare or Sunday school, you need to be prepared. Here are some helpful tips on what to take along in the diaper bag. This list is not all inclusive, as your son or daughter grows, things may be added or removed from the diaper bag.

* diapers -your child will need an appropriate amount for the time they will be in theÂ childcare setting